French Open to retain Line Judges for 2026 despite global shift to technology

The French Open will stand apart from its Grand Slam counterparts in 2026 by continuing to employ human line judges, even as the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open have fully embraced Electronic Line Calling (ELC) technology. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) confirmed the decision on Monday, stating that Roland Garros will maintain its tradition of referee-led officiating for at least another year.

The move is notable given the rapid adoption of ELC across professional tennis. The technology, first tested at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Milan in 2017, became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic when tournaments sought to reduce on-court personnel. This year, the ATP Tour formally implemented ELC at all its events, and the other three Grand Slams have already shifted entirely to the system.

FFT Highlights “Excellence of French Refereeing”

The FFT explained its stance by praising the longstanding quality of officiating at Roland Garros.

“For the next Roland Garros, the FFT will continue to highlight the excellence of French refereeing, recognised throughout the world, and which brings complete satisfaction to the organization of the tournament,” the federation said.

In 2025, the French Open employed 404 referees, with 284 hailing from France. The clay courts of Roland Garros also offer officials a unique advantage: the visible marks left by the ball, which can help verify contentious calls. Still, this method is not immune to human error, something that ELC technology was designed to minimize.

Tradition vs. Technology

The decision reflects a broader debate in tennis about tradition and innovation. While many players and fans appreciate the consistency and speed of ELC, others argue that the human element—particularly at Roland Garros with its clay surface—adds character to the sport.

Some players also voiced mixed reactions after ELC misfires at claycourt tournaments in Madrid and Stuttgart earlier this season. Wimbledon, despite using ELC, faced criticism this year after technical glitches left players frustrated and confused.

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By maintaining line judges in 2026, Roland Garros will temporarily resist the global trend, preserving an atmosphere that blends modern sport with tradition. However, with the ATP and WTA tours moving steadily toward full reliance on ELC, questions remain about how long the French Open can hold out before following suit.